RF Safe

Radio frequency electromagnetic radiations interfere with the Leydig cell functions in-vitro

PLoS One · 2024 · Mixed · Low evidence

← Research stream
MixedLow evidencePaper 6837

TM3 mouse Leydig cells exposed to RFR from a 4G cell phone and to 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz showed reduced testosterone production and reduced proliferation at 120 minutes versus controls across exposure settings. Intracellular ROS increased at 60, 90, and 120 mi…

Study snapshot

PublicationPLoS One · 2024
Study typein_vitro
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

A growing threat to male infertility has become a major concern for the human population due to the advent of modern technologies as a source of radiofrequency radiation (RFR). Since these technologies have become an integral part of our daily lives, thus, it becomes necessary to know the impression of such radiations on human health. In view of this, the current study aims to focus on the biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations on mouse Leydig cell line (TM3) in a time-dependent manner. TM3 cells were exposed to RFR emitted from 4G cell phone and also exposed to a particular frequency of 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz from RFR exposure system. The cells were then evaluated for different parameters such as cell viability, cell proliferation, testosterone production, and ROS generation. A considerable reduction in the testosterone levels and proliferation rate of TM3 cells were observed at 120 min of exposure as compared to the control group in all exposure settings. Conversely, the intracellular ROS levels showed a significant rise at 60, 90 and 120 min of exposure in both mobile phone and 2450 MHz exposure groups. However, RFR treatment for different time durations (15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min) did not have significant effect on cell viability at any of the exposure condition (2450 MHz, 1800 MHz, and mobile phone radiation). Therefore, our findings concluded with the negative impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations on Leydig cell's physiological functions, which could be a serious concern for male infertility. However, additional studies are required to determine the specific mechanism of RFR action as well as its long-term consequences.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typein_vitro
Effect directionmixed
PopulationMouse Leydig cell line (TM3)
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureRF · 1800 MHz · 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 95% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

TM3 mouse Leydig cells exposed to RFR from a 4G cell phone and to 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz showed reduced testosterone production and reduced proliferation at 120 minutes versus controls across exposure settings. Intracellular ROS increased at 60, 90, and 120 minutes in the mobile phone and 2450 MHz groups, while cell viability was not significantly affected at any tested duration.

Outcomes measured

  • cell viability
  • cell proliferation
  • testosterone production
  • ROS generation

Limitations

  • In vitro study using a mouse Leydig cell line
  • Sample size not stated in the abstract
  • Short-term exposure only (up to 120 minutes)
  • Mechanism and long-term consequences were not determined
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 1800,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min"
  },
  "population": "Mouse Leydig cell line (TM3)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "cell viability",
    "cell proliferation",
    "testosterone production",
    "ROS generation"
  ],
  "main_findings": "TM3 mouse Leydig cells exposed to RFR from a 4G cell phone and to 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz showed reduced testosterone production and reduced proliferation at 120 minutes versus controls across exposure settings. Intracellular ROS increased at 60, 90, and 120 minutes in the mobile phone and 2450 MHz groups, while cell viability was not significantly affected at any tested duration.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro study using a mouse Leydig cell line",
    "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
    "Short-term exposure only (up to 120 minutes)",
    "Mechanism and long-term consequences were not determined"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.95,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "RF",
    "radiofrequency radiation",
    "mobile phone",
    "4G",
    "1800 MHz",
    "2450 MHz",
    "Leydig cells",
    "TM3",
    "testosterone",
    "ROS",
    "cell proliferation",
    "male infertility",
    "in vitro"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299017
PubMed: 38758777

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library